Estimated Burden of Chagas Disease and Chagas Disease Screening Recommendations, Washington State, 2009¨C2024

What did we do?

• We used Washington birth records (2013-2022), American Community Survey data (2017-2021), and the Refugee Health Screening Database (RHSD; 2012-2023) to capture the total number of individuals either born in a country where Chagas disease is endemic or to a birthparent born in a Chagas-endemic country to estimate the number of Washington residents who should be screened for the disease.

• We also used syndromic surveillance records (2018-2022) and Washington Disease Reporting System (WDRS) reports of Chagas disease (2009-2024) to approximate the frequency of healthcare encounters and reporting.

What did we find?

• We identified 306,573 Washington residents born in Chagas-endemic countries, comprising about 4.02% of the state’s population. Approximately 2,513 are estimated to be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that cases Chagas disease.

• There were 76,328 births from birthing parents who were born in Chagas-endemic countries.

• Syndromic surveillance detected 183 total clinical encounters for 64 patients that mentioned Chagas in the chief complaint, discharge diagnosis, or triage notes. There were 34 confirmed cases of Chagas disease in WDRS.

• Of the 8925 female humanitarian entrants aged 15-50 who received medical screening upon arrival, 130 had a country of origin or a country of birth in a Chagas-endemic country.

Why does it matter?

• A substantial number of Washington residents are recommended for Chagas disease screening, but the small number of reported cases in Washington suggests screening may not be widespread.

• If statewide prenatal screening was implemented, an estimated 635 birth parents and 32-81 congenitally infected children could be detected and treated over a 10-year period.

Abstract Category: Chagas Disease